Switchable Range Lead Storage Apparatus with Segmented Reel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lead storage apparatuses for pets cannot adjust the unreeling range of the lead, limiting user control over the active range of the pet's movement, and fail to switch between maximum and intermediate unreeling ranges.
Innovation Solution
A lead storage apparatus with a reel, biasing member, rotational member, engaging member, and switch member that allows users to select the unreeling range by engaging or disengaging the rotational member, limiting the rotational range and torque load, and incorporating a brake mechanism for emergency stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lead storage apparatus uses a fixed maximum unreeling range, then the pet can move freely in large spaces, but the apparatus cannot adapt to environments requiring limited movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switchable range mechanism that allows the unreeling limit to be dynamically changed between a first range (larger) and a second range (smaller). The switching member can rotate to different positions, and the switching gear engages with different sections of the reel at different rotational positions, enabling the apparatus to adapt to different environments (large spaces vs. ordinary roads) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the lead storage apparatus allows free unreeling of the lead, then the pet has maximum activity range, but the apparatus cannot provide emergency stop or locking function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the range switching function and the emergency stop/locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The switching member serves dual purposes: when rotated to different positions, it engages the switching gear with different sections of the reel to change the unreeling range, and it also provides the locking function to restrict unreeling completely when needed. This merging of functions provides both emergency stop capability and maintains operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lead storage apparatus uses a single unreeling range, then the structure remains simple, but the apparatus cannot switch between maximum and intermediate unreeling ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reel into different functional sections that can be selectively engaged. The switching gear has multiple engagement sections corresponding to different unreeling ranges, and the switching member can rotate to engage different sections. This segmentation allows the apparatus to offer multiple unreeling ranges (first range and second range) while keeping the added mechanism complexity relatively low through the use of a simple rotating switching member.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to adjust the lead unreeling range freely, providing reliable control over the pet's movement and minimizing damage to the apparatus, while allowing for emergency stops and locking functions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that receives an external force caused by unreeling of the lead and stores a biasing force, and upon release of the external force, biases rotation of the reel in the reverse direction
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to provide a lead storage apparatus capable of selecting a lead unreeling range in which the lead can be unreeled and reeled by a user's operation. A lead storage apparatus 10 includes a reel 50, a rotational member 130 having an engaged section 132, an engaging member 70, and a switch member 140 that can restrict rotation of the rotational member 130 with rotation of the reel 50 in a normal direction by engaging an engaging section 74 with the engaged section 132, and switch the lead between a engageable state in which the engaged section 132 can engage with the engaging section 74 and an unengageable state in which the engaged section 132 cannot engage with the engaging section 74.